Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a cyanomethylene compound, a process for preparing
the same and an agricultural and horticultural fungicide which contains the compound.
Background Art
[0002] Recent years have seen the emergence of drug resistant fungi due to long term use
of fungicides. For this reason, it has become difficult to accomplish control by use
of known fungicides such as benzimidazole. Consequently, there is a demand for development
of new type of compounds having a fungicidal activity against drug resistant fungi.
[0003] As a compound having a cyanomethylene group bonded to the 2-position on the thiazolidine
ring, a compound represented by the formula (A)

is disclosed, for example, in Phamazie, 53(6), 373-376 (1998) which reports that
the compound has an antituberculous activity. However, the publication discloses nothing
about the fungicidal activity of the compound of the formula (A).
[0004] WO96/33995 discloses oxopropionitrile derivatives represented by the formula (B)

wherein Ra is an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, Rb is a hydrogen atom, etc.,
Rc is a heterocyclic group and Rd is a hydrogen atom, etc., and mentions that the
derivatives have an insecticidal activity, but refers nowhere to a fungicidal activity
of the derivatives.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0005] An object of the invention is to provide a novel cyanomethylene compound which exhibits
an excellent fungicidal activity against drug resistant fungi as well as drug sensitive
fungi.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide a process for preparing the cyanomethylene
compound.
[0007] A further object of the invention is to provide a new type of fungicide for agriculture
and horticulture which exhibits a remarkable fungicidal effect against chemical-resistant
fungi as well as chemical-sensitive fungi.
[0008] The invention provides cyanomethylene compounds represented by the formula (1) (hereinafter
referred to as "cyanomethylene compound (1)")
wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, aryl-C1-4 alkyl, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano;
R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano;
A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene), -CH2-O-B-CH2- (wherein B is as defined above) or -Z-CO- (wherein Z is C1-4 alkylene); and
Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl.
[0009] The cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention has a broad fungicidal spectrum,
and an excellent fungicidal activity of controlling chemical-resistant fungi as well
as chemical-sensitive fungi.
[0010] E/Z isomers are present in the cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention. The
cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention includes an E/Z isomer and a mixture
of E/Z isomers.
[0011] The invention provides a process for preparing the cyanomethylene compound (1), the
process comprising reacting:
an isothiocyanate represented by the formula (2)
R1-NCS (2)
wherein R1 is as defined above;
an acetonitrile represented by the formula (3)
R-Y-CH2-CN (3)
wherein R and Y are as defined above, and
a halogen compound represented by the formula (4)
X1-A-X2 (4)
wherein A is as defined above, and X1 and X2 are the same or different and each represents halogen atom.
[0012] The invention provides a fungicide containing the cyanomethylene compound (1) for
use in agriculture and horticulture.
[0013] In the formula (1), the groups represented by each of R, R
1, A and Z can be exemplified as follows.
[0014] Examples of C
1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,
isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl,
n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-heptadecyl,
n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl and the like.
[0015] Examples of C
3-8 cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl
and the like.
[0016] Examples of aryl are phenyl, naphthyl and the like.
[0017] Examples of aryl-C
1-4 alkyl are benzyl, 1-phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1-phenylpropyl, 2-phenylpropyl, 3-phenylpropyl
and the like.
[0018] Examples of heterocyclic group are pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzotriazolyl, 1,2,4-triazole-1-yl,
2-thienyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl,
8-quinolyl, oxadiazolyl and the like.
[0019] Examples of halogen atom are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and the like.
[0020] Examples of C
1-4 alkyl are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl
and like C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl groups.
[0021] Examples of C
1-4 haloalkyl are fluoromethyl, bromomethyl, iodomethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl,
2-fluoroethyl, 2-chloroethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, pentafluoroethyl, 1-fluoropropyl, 2-chloropropyl,
3-fluoropropyl, 3-chloropropyl, 1-fluorobutyl, 1-chlorobutyl, 4-fluorobutyl and like
straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl substituted with 1 to 9 halogen atoms.
[0022] Examples of C
1-4 alkoxy are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy
and like C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkoxy groups.
[0023] Examples of C
1-4 haloalkoxy are fluoromethoxy, chloromethoxy, bromomethoxy, iodomethoxy, difluoromethoxy,
trifluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2-chloroethoxy, 1-fluoroethoxy, 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy,
pentafluoroethoxy, 1-fluoropropoxy, 2-chloropropoxy, 3-fluoropropoxy, 3-chloropropoxy,
1-fluorobutoxy, 1-chlorobutoxy, 4-fluorobutoxy and like straight-chain or branched-chain
alkoxy groups substituted with 1 to 9 halogen atoms.
[0024] Examples of C
1-4 alkoxycarbonyl are methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, n-propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl,
n-butoxycarbonyl, isobutoxycarbonyl, sec-butoxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl and like
alkoxycarbonyl groups wherein the alkoxy moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkoxy.
[0025] Examples of C
1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl are methylaminocarbonyl, ethylaminocarbonyl, n-propylaminocarbonyl,
isopropylaminocarbonyl, n-butylaminocarbonyl, isobutylaminocarbonyl, sec-butylaminocarbonyl,
tert-butylaminocarbonyl and like alkylaminocarbonyl groups wherein the alkyl moiety
is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0026] Examples of C
1-4 alkoxyimino-C
1-4 alkyl are methoxyiminomethyl, ethoxyiminomethyl, 1-(n-propoxyimino)ethyl, isopropoxyiminomethyl,
2-(n-butoxyimino)ethyl, sec-butoxyiminomethyl, tert-butoxyiminomethyl and like alkoxyiminoalkyl
groups wherein the alkoxy moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain, and the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0027] Examples of C
1-4 alkylamino are methylamino, ethylamino, n-propylamino, isopropylamino, n-butylamino,
isobutylamino, sec-butylamino, tert-butylamino and like alkylamino groups wherein
the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0028] Examples of C
1-4 alkylcarobonyl are methylcarbonyl, ethylcarbonyl, n-propylcarbonyl, isopropylcarbonyl,
n-butylcarbonyl, isobutylcarbonyl, sec-butylcarbonyl, tert-butylcarbonyl and like
alkylcarbonyl groups wherein the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0029] Examples of C
1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,
isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl and the like.
[0030] Examples of di-C
1-4 alkylamino group are dimethylamino, diethylamino, di-n-propylamino, diisopropylamino,
di-n-butylamino, diisobutylamino, sec-butylamino, di-tert-butylamino and like dialkylamino
groups wherein the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0031] Examples of C
2-4 alkenyl are vinyl, allyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-methylallyl and the like.
[0032] Examples of C
1-4 alkylthio are methylthio, ethylthio, n-propylthio, isopropylthio, n-butylthio, isobutylthio,
sec-butylthio, tert-butylthio and like alkylthio groups wherein the alkyl moiety is
C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0033] Examples of C
1-4 alkylsulfinyl are methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, n-propylsulfinyl, isopropylsulfinyl,
n-butylsulfinyl, isobutylsulfinyl, sec-butylsulfinyl, tert-butylsulfinyl and like
alkylsulfinyl groups wherein the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0034] Examples of C
1-4 alkylsulfonyl are methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n-propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl,
n-butylsulfonyl, isobutylsulfonyl, sec-butylsulfonyl, tert-butylsulfonyl and like
alkylsulfonyl groups wherein the alkyl moiety is C
1-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl.
[0035] Examples of C
1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene are methylene, ethylene, trimethylene,
2-methyltrimethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene, 1-methyltrimethylene, methylmethylene,
ethylmethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, etc.
[0036] Examples of C
2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene are vinylidene, propylene, butenylene
and the like.
[0037] Examples of C
1-4 alkylene are methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, 2-methyltrimethylene, 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene,
1-methyltrimethylene, methylmethylene, ethylmethylene, tetramethylene and the like.
[0038] Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1) of the invention, preferred are those of the
formula (1) wherein R is C
1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C
3-8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or heterocyclic group (the phenyl, the benzyl and the
heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from
the group consisting of halogen atom, C
1-4 alkyl, C
1-4 haloalkyl, C
1-4 alkoxy, C
1-4 haloalkoxy, C
1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C
1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C
1-4 alkoxyimino-C
1-4 alkyl, C
1-4 alkylamino, C
1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C
1-4 alkylthio, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro, and cyano); R
1 is C
1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C
3-8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or pyridyl (the phenyl, the benzyl and the pyridyl may
be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of
halogen atom, C
1-4 alkyl, C
1-4 haloalkyl, C
1-4 alkoxy, C
1-4 haloalkoxy, C
1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C
1-4 alkylamino, di-C
1-4 alkylamino, C
2-4 alkenyl, C
1-4 alkylthio, C
1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C
1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano); A is C
1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C
2-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, or -CH
2-B-CH
2- (wherein B is phenylene); and Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl.
[0039] Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1) of the invention, more preferred are those
of the formula (1) wherein R is phenyl (the phenyl may be substituted with at least
one sustituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C
1-4 alkyl, C
1-4 haloalkyl, C
1-4 alkoxy, C
1-4 haloalkoxy, C
1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C
1-4 alkylthio and cyano); R
1 is phenyl or pyridyl (the phenyl and the pyridyl may be substituted with at least
one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C
1-4 alkyl, C
1-4 haloalkyl, C
1-4 alkoxy, C
1-4 haloalkoxy, C
1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C
1-4 alkylamino, di-C
1-4 alkylamino, C
2-4 alkenyl, C
1-4 alkylthio, C
1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C
1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano); A is C
1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene; and Y is a sulfur atom.
[0040] Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1) of the invention, especially preferred are
those of the formula (1) wherein R is phenyl (the phenyl may be substituted with at
least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom and C
1-4 haloalkyl); R
1 is phenyl or pyridyl (the phenyl and the pyridyl may be substituted with at least
one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C
1-4 alkyl and C
1-4 alkoxy); A is ethylene; and Y is a sulfur atom.
[0041] Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1), most preferred are those of the formula (1)
wherein R is phenyl substituted with halogen atom (such as fluorine, chlorine or the
like) in the 2-position of the phenyl, and with C
1-4 haloalkyl (such as trifluoromethyl) in the 5-position thereof.
[0042] Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1) of the invention, most preferred are those
of the formula (1) wherein R
1 is phenyl unsubstituted or substituted with halogen atom (such as fluorine, chlorine
or the like), C
1-4 alkyl (such as methyl) or C
1-4 alkoxy (such as methoxy) in the 2-position of the phenyl, or pyridyl unsubstituted
or substituted with C
1-4 alkoxy (such as methoxy). Among the cyanomethylene compounds (1), preferred are those
of the formula (1) wherein the pyridyl is 2-pyridyl or 3-pyridyl, and those of the
formula (1) wherein the pyridyl is substituted with C
1-4 alkoxy (such as methoxy) in the 2-position of the pyridyl.
[0043] The cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention can be prepared, for example, by
reacting:
an isothiocyanate represented by the formula (2)
R1-NCS (2)
wherein R1 is as defined above;
an acetonitrile represented by the formula (3)
R-Y-CH2-CN (3)
wherein R and Y are as defined above, and
a halogen compound represented by the formula (4)
X1-A-X2 (4)
wherein A is as defined above, and X1 and X2 are the same or different and each represents halogen atom.
[0044] The proportions of the isothiocyanate (2) and the acetonitrile (3) to be used in
the reaction are not limited and can be suitably selected from a wide range. The acetonitrile
(3) is usually used in an amount of 1 to 5 moles, preferably about 1 mole or in the
vicinity thereof, per mole of the isothiocyanate (2).
[0045] The proportions of the isothiocyanate (2) and the halogen compound (4) to be used
in the reaction are not limited and can be suitably selected from a wide range. The
halogen compound (4) is usually used in an amount of 1 to 5 moles, preferably about
1 mole or in the vicinity thereof, per mole of the isothiocyanate (2).
[0046] Preferably the reaction of the invention is carried out in the presence of a base.
Useful bases are a variety of known ones, and include, for example, sodium hydrogencarbonate,
sodium carbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydride,
potassium hydride and like inorganic bases, triethylamine, pyridine and like organic
bases. These bases can be used either alone or in combination. The amount of the base
to be used is not limited and can be suitably selected from a wide range. Usually
the base is used in a stoichiometric amount sufficient to entrap the hydrogen halide
produced by the reaction or in more than the stoichiometric amount, preferably the
stoichiometric amount or about 1 to about 5 times the amount. When triethylamine,
pyridine or like organic base is used, it can be used in large excess to serve also
as a solvent.
[0047] The reaction of the invention is usually performed in a solvent. Useful solvents
are not limited insofar as they are inert to the reaction of the invention, and include
known solvents such as hexane, cyclohexane, heptane and like aliphatic or alicyclic
hydrocarbons, benzene, chlorobenzene, toluene, xylene and like aromatic hydrocarbons,
methylene chloride, dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and like halogenated
hydrocarbons, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and like ethers, dimethylformamide,
dimethylsulfoxide, combinations of 2 or more thereof, etc.
[0048] The reaction of the invention is carried out usually at a temperature in the range
of from -20°C to the boiling point of the solvent used and is usually complete in
about 0.5 to about 24 hours.
[0049] The raw materials used in preparing the cyanomethylene compound (1), i.e. the thioisocyanate
(2), the acetonitrile (3) and the halogen compound (4), are commercially readily available
compounds or can be easily prepared by known processes.
[0050] The cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention prepared by said process can be
easily isolated from the reaction system and purified, for example, by known isolating
and purifying means such as filtration, solvent extraction, distillation, recrystallization,
column chromatography or the like.
[0051] The cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention is used, for example, as an active
ingredient for a fungicide.
[0052] The cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention can be used as a fungicide by itself
and can be used by being made into the desirable form such as an oil, emulsion, wettable
powder, flowable preparation, granules, powder, aerosol, fumigant or the like. In
this case, the content of the thiazolidine compound (1) of the invention is not limited
and can be suitably selected from a wide range according to various conditions such
as the form of preparation, kind of disease to be treated, kind of plant, severity
of disease, place of application, time for application, method of application, chemicals
to be used in combination (insecticide, nematicide, acaricide, fungicide, herbicide,
plant growth control agent, synergist, soil conditioner, etc.), amount and kind of
fertilizer and so on. The content is usually about 0.01 to about 95% by weight, preferably
about 0.1 to about 50% by weight, based on the total amount of the fungicidal preparation.
[0053] A fungicidal preparation containing the cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention
as the active ingredient can be produced according to known processes. For example,
the cyanomethylene compound (1) of the invention may be mixed with a carrier such
as a solid carrier, a liquid carrier, a gaseous carrier or the like. Optionally a
surfactant and other adjuvant for preparation may be added.
[0054] Useful carriers can be any of known ones which are usually used in this field.
[0055] Examples of useful solid carriers are fine particles or granules of clays (kaolin
clay, diatomaceous earth, synthetic hydrated silicon dioxide, bentonite, fubasami
clay, acid clay and the like), talcs, ceramics, other inorganic minerals (cerite,
quartz, sulfur, activated carbon, calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, etc.), chemical
fertilizers (ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium
chloride, etc.), and so on.
[0056] Useful liquid carriers are, for example, water, alcohols (methanol, ethanol, etc.),
ketones (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene,
xylene, ethylbenzene, methylnaphthalene, etc.), aliphatic hydrocarbons (hexane, cyclohexane,
kerosene, light oil, etc.), esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.), nitriles
(acetonitrile, isobutyronitrile, etc.), ethers (diisopropyl ether, dioxane, etc.),
acid amides (N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons
(dichloromethane, trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, etc.), dimethylsulfoxide,
soybean oil, cotton seed oil and like vegetable oils and so on.
[0057] Examples of useful gaseous carriers (propellants) are butane gas, LPG (liquefied
petroleum gas), dimethyl ether, carbon dioxide, etc.
[0058] Examples of useful surfactants are alkyl ester sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylarylsulfonates,
alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylenated products thereof, polyethylene glycol ethers,
polyhydric alcohol esters, sugar alcohol compounds, etc.
[0059] Examples of useful adjuvants for preparation are casein, gelatin, polysaccharides
(starch powder, gum arabic, cellulose compound, alginic acid, etc.), ligunin compounds,
bentonite, saccharides, synthetic water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
pyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, etc.) and like fixing agents, PAP (acidic isopropyl
phosphate), BBH (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), BHA (mixture of 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol
and 3-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol), vegetable oils, mineral oils, fatty acids, esters
thereof and like stabilizers.
[0060] The fungicidal preparation of the invention thus obtained can be used as it is or
as diluted with water. The preparation may be prepared by being mixed with any of
insecticides, nematicides, acaricides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth control
agents, synergists, soil conditioners, etc. The preparation of the invention may be
applied simultaneously with other preparations.
[0061] When the preparation of the invention is used as a fungicide for use in agriculture
and horticulture, the amount of the preparation of the invention is not limited and
can be suitably selected from a wide range according to various conditions such as
the concentration of active ingredient, the form of preparation, kind of disease to
be treated, kind of plant, severity of disease, time for application, method of application,
chemicals to be used in combination (insecticide, nematicide, miticide, fungicide,
herbicide, plant growth control agent, synergist, soil conditioner, etc.), amount
and kind of a fertilizer and so on. The amount is usually about 0.001 to about 100
g per 100 m
2 of the area. When an emulsion, wettable powder, flowable preparation or the like
is used as diluted with water, the concentration of the fungicidal preparation is
about 0.1 to about 1000 ppm, preferably about 1 to 500 ppm. The granules, particles
or the like are applied as such without dilution.
[0062] The compound of the invention is characterized by having an excellent fungicidal
activity and a broad spectrum of activity. The compound can be used for control of
plant diseases ascribed to pathogenic fungi and resistant pathogenic fungi. Examples
of such pathogenic fungi include those that cause or are resistant to fungicides to
treat rice plant blast, rice plant sheath blight, apple powdery mildew, apple Atternaria
blotch, persimmon powdery mildew, grape powdery mildew, barley powdery mildew, wheat
powdery mildew, cucumber powdery mildew, tomato late blight, strawberry powdery mildew,
tobacco powdery mildew and the like.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
[0063] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to reference examples,
production examples, preparation examples and test examples.
Reference Example 1
Production of 2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethylaniline
[0064] Twenty grams of 3-nitro-4-fluorobenzotrifluoride was dissolved in 50 ml of methanol.
An iron powder (16 g) was added and concentrated hydrochloric acid was added dropwise
with stirring. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight, followed by addition of
sodium bicarbonate for neutralization. Then diethyl ether was added, and the insolubles
were filtered off with cerite. The ether phase was separated, dried and concentrated
under reduced pressure, giving 14 g of the contemplated product (yield 82%).
Reference Example 2
Production of 2-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethylphenyl thioacetonitrile
[0065] 2-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethylaniline (14 g) was suspended in 30 ml of water and 10 ml
of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The suspension was cooled to -5°C while a solution
of 5.93 g of sodium nitrite in 30 ml of water was added dropwise, followed by stirring
at -5°C for 2 hours. Then the solution was added to a solution of 16 g of potassium
O-ethyl dithiocarbonate in 20 ml of water (40 to 50°C), followed by stirring for 1
hour. The reaction mixture was extracted with an aqueous solution of ethyl acetate,
dried and concentrated, giving 22 g of 3-ethoxythiocarbonylthio-4-fluorobenzotrifluoride.
[0066] The above-obtained 3-ethoxythiocarbonylthio-4-fluorobenzotrlfluoride was dissolved
in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran without further purification. The solution was added
dropwise to a suspension of 4.4 g of lithium aluminum hydride in 100 ml of tetrahydrofuran.
The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours, followed by addition of diluted hydrochloric
acid to adjust the pH to 1, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, giving
13 g of 4-fluoro-3-mercaptobenzotrifluoride.
[0067] The above-obtained 4-fluoro-3-mercaptobenzotrifluoride was dissolved in 100 ml of
acetonitrile, followed by addition of 7 g of potassium carbonate and 5 g of chloroacetonitrile.
The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was added
to water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate phase was dried, concentrated
and subjected to silica gel column chromatography, giving 5 g of the contemplated
product (overall yield of 3 steps: 27%).
Reference Example 3
Production of (2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethylphenylthio)-2-(3-phenylthiazolidine-2-yliden)acetonitrile
[0068] 2-Fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl phenylthioacetonitrile (0.70g) and 0.40 g of phenylisothiocyanate
were dissolved in 5 ml of dimethylformamide. To the solution stirred was added 0.25
g of 60% oil suspension of sodium hydride. The mixture was stirred with ice cooling
for 0.5 hour. Then, 0.56 g of 1,2-dibromoethane was added and the mixture was stirred
for 1 hour. Then 100 ml of water was added. Furthermore, 30 ml of diethyl ether was
added and stirred, whereby crystals were precipitated. The crystals were filtered,
giving 0.06 g of the desired product (yield 6%).
Production Example 1
Production of 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2-(3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-yliden)acetonitrile
(compound 1)
[0069] Dissolved in 10 ml of dimethylformamide were 1.14 g (6.7 mmols) of 4-chlorophenylisothiocyanate
and 1.0 g (6.7 mmols) of phenylthioacetonitrile. The solution was stirred at room
temperature while 0.59 g (60% oil, 14.8 mmols) of sodium hydride was added dropwise,
followed by stirring for 1 hour. Thereto added was 1.39 g (7.4 mmols) of 1,2-dibromoethane.
The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. To the reaction mixture were
added 50 ml of water and 10 ml of ether, followed by stirring. The precipitated crystals
were collected by filtration, whereby 0.8 g of the title compound was obtained as
colorless crystals (yield 30%).
Melting point 144-146°C
1H-NMR (δ ppm/CDCl
3):
3.21 (2H, t, J=7.2Hz),
4.26 (2H, t, J=7.2Hz),
7.1-7.5 (9H, m)
Production Example 2
Production of 2-phenylthio-2-(3-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-yliden)acetonitrile (compound
2)
[0070] 18.9 g (140 mmols) of phenylisothiocyanate and 20.9 g (140 mmols) of phenylthioacetonitrile
dissolved in 50 ml of dimethylformamide were added dropwise with stirring at room
temperature to a suspension of 11.5 g of sodium hydride (60% oil, 287 mmols) in 200
ml of dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour, and 28.9 g (154 mmols)
of 1,2-dibromoethane was added dropwise at room temperature. Then the mixture was
stirred for 3 hours. To the reaction mixture were added 300 ml of water and 100 ml
of ether, followed by stirring. The precipitated crystals were collected by filtration,
giving 26.1 g of the title compound as colorless crystals (yield 60%).
Melting point 143-145°C
1H-NMR (δ ppm/CDCl
3):
3.21 (2H, t, J=7.2Hz),
4.29 (2H, t, J=7.2Hz),
7.1-7.6 (10H, m)
[0072] Given below are Preparation Examples in which the parts are all by weight.
Preparation Example 1 (emulsion)
[0073] Ten parts of each compound of the invention prepared above was dissolved in 45 parts
of Solvesso 150 and 35 parts of N-methylpyrrolidone. Ten parts of Sorpol 3005 X (emulsifier,
product of Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added to the solution. The mixture
was stirred, giving 10% emulsions of each compound.
Preparation Example 2 (wettable powder)
[0074] Twenty parts of each compound of the invention was added to a mixture of 2 parts
of sodium lauryl sulfate, 4 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 20 parts of fine particles
of synthetic hydrated silicon dioxide and 54 parts of clay. The mixture was stirred
by a juice mixer, giving 20% wettable powders of each compound.
Preparation Example 3 (granules)
[0075] Five parts of each compound of the invention was mixed with 2 parts of sodium dodecylbenzene
sulfonate, 10 parts of bentonite and 83 parts of clay, and sufficiently stirred. A
suitable amount of water was added to the mixture. The mixture was further stirred
and granulated by a granulator. The granules were air-dried, giving 5% granules of
each compound.
Preparation Example 4 (powder)
[0076] One part of each compound of the invention was dissolved in an appropriate amount
of acetone. Added thereto were 5 parts of fine particles of synthetic hydrated silicon
dioxide, 0.3 part of acidic isopropyl phosphate (PAP) and 93.7 parts of clay. The
mixture was stirred by a juice mixer and acetone was removed by vaporization, giving
1% powders of each compound.
Preparation Example 5 (flowable preparation)
[0077] Mixed together were 20 parts of each compound of the invention, and 20 parts of water
containing 3 parts of polyoxyethylene tristyrylphenylether phosphoric acid ester triethanolamine
and 0.2 part of RHODORSIL 426 R. The mixture was subjected to wet pulverization using
Dynomill, and was mixed with 60 parts of water containing 8 parts of propylene glycol
and 0.32 part of xanthane gum, whereby 20% aqueous suspensions of each compound were
obtained.
[0078] Test Examples are given below to show that the compound of the invention is useful
as the effective ingredient for a fungicide.
Test Example 1 (fungicidal test for control of cucumber powdery mildew)
[0079] A methanol solution of the test compound was mixed with an aqueous solution (100
ppm) of Sorpol 355 (product of Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), giving a sample
solution (200 ppm). The sample solution was spread over cucumber (14 days after seeding)
planted in a pot (7.5 cm in diameter), and air-dried. A suspension containing spores
of cucumber powdery mildew (1.0 mm X 10
5 cells / ml) was sprayed over the plant by a spray gun. After air-drying, the plant
was left to stand in a house made of acrylic resin sheet and after 10 days checked
for the severity of disease. The percent disease control value was calculated, compared
with the severity of disease in untreated plant.
[0080] The test was carried out using the sample solutions of the compound under the following
compound numbers (indicated in the tables): 2, 3, 12, 18, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 45,
52, 56-61, 64-67, 74-80, 90, 93-99, 101, 102, 105, 107, 109, 112-114, 118-122, 124-127,
131-139, 142-147, 150, 157-159, 161, 165-172, 179, 181-188, 190-195, 203, 204, 216,
218 and 231. The test results show that each compound exhibited a percent disease
control value of 50% or more. Test Example 2 (fungicidal test for controlling of wheat
powdery mildew)
[0081] Aisai No.1 (JA) was packed in a pot for growing a plug seedling (trade name "Naesaku-kun,
product of Kobayashi Co., Ltd., each hole measuring 30 mm in length, 30 mm in width
and 40 mm in depth, 136 holes), and wheat seeds (species of wheat: "Shirasagi") were
sown, and were grown in a glass house for 7 days. A test solution (200 ppm) was prepared
by adding a suitable amount of methanol solution of the compound of the invention
(4000 ppm) to a 500-fold diluted solution of Panguard KS-20. Wheat seedlings were
placed in a cylindrical container of 24 cm in diameter laid on a turn table. The test
solution was applied to the inside of the cylindrial container using a spray gun (product
of Olympos Co., Ltd., PB-408, provided with a flat nozzle cap), 1.5 kgf/cm
2). After air-drying, wheat (species "Shirasagi") having powdery mildew pathogen (Erysiphe
graminis f. sp. tritici) cultivated by subculture was shaken over the plant to sprinkle
the conidia over the plant. The container was placed in a temperature controlled chamber
(18°C, fluorescent light shining for 12 hours) for 7 days. The severity of disease
in the first leaf was evaluated by scores from zero (no symptom) to 10 (development
of disease throughout the leaf).
[0082] The percent disease control value was obtained by calculation of the following equation,
compared with the severity of disease in untreated plants:

[0083] The test was carried out using the test solutions of the compound of the invention
under the following compound numbers (shown in the tables): 42, 58, 60, 64, 66, 67,
98, 105, 107, 118, 119, 159, 171, 185, 195 and 231. The test results show that each
compound exhibited a percent disease control value of 50% or more.
1. A cyanomethylene compound represented by the formula (1)
wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, aryl-C1-4 alkyl, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano;
R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano;
A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene), -CH2-O-B-CH2- (wherein B is as defined above) or -Z-CO- (wherein Z is C1-4 alkylene); and
Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl.
2. The cyanomethylene compound according to claim 1, wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or heterocyclic group; and the phenyl, the benzyl and
the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from
the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano; R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, phenyl, benzyl or pyridyl; and the phenyl, the benzyl and the pyridyl
may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting
of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano; A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-4 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, or -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene).
3. The cyanomethylene compound according to claim 1, wherein R is phenyl; and the phenyl
may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting
of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio and cyano; R1 is phenyl or pyridyl; and the phenyl and the pyridyl may be substituted with at least
one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano; A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene; and Y is a sulfur atom.
4. The cyanomethylene compound according to claim 1, wherein R is phenyl; and the phenyl
may be substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting
of halogen atom and C1-4 haloalkyl; R1 is phenyl or pyridyl; and the phenyl and the pyridyl may be substituted with at least
one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl and C1-4 alkoxy; A is ethylene; and Y is a sulfur atom.
5. A process for preparing a cyanomethylene compound represented by the formula (1)
wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, aryl-C1-4 alkyl, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano;
R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano;
A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene), -CH2-O-B-CH2- (wherein B is as defined above) or -Z-CO- (wherein Z is C1-4 alkylene); and
Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl, the process comprising reacting:
an isothiocyanate represented by the formula (2)
R1-NCS (2)
wherein R1 is as defined above;
an acetonitrile represented by the formula (3)
R-Y-CH2-CN (3)
wherein R and Y are as defined above, and
a halogen compound represented by the formula (4)
X1-A-X2 (4)
wherein A is as defined above, and X1 and X2 are the same or different and each represents halogen atom.
6. A fungicide for use in agriculture and horticulture, which contains a cyanomethylene
compound represented by the formula (1)
wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, aryl-C1-4 alkyl, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano;
R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano;
A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene), -CH2-O-B-CH2- (wherein B is as defined above) or -Z-CO- (wherein Z is C1-4 alkylene); and
Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl.
7. The fungicide for use in agriculture and horticulture which contains the cyanomethylene
compound as defined in claim 2, 3 or 4.
8. Use of, as a fungicide for agriculture and horticulture, a cyanomethylene compound
represented by the formula (1)
wherein R is C1-20 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylaminocarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxyimino-C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkylamino, C1-4 alkylcarbonyl, C1-4 alkylthio, aryl-C1-4 alkyl, carbamoyl, phenoxy, benzyloxy, nitro and cyano;
R1 is C1-8 straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl, aryl-C1-4 alkyl or heterocyclic group; and the aryl, the aryl-C1-4 alkyl and the heterocyclic group may be substituted with at least one substituent
selected from the group consisting of halogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 haloalkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkylamino, di-C1-4 alkylamino, C2-4 alkenyl, C1-4 alkylthio, C1-4 alkylsulfinyl, C1-4 alkylsulfonyl, phenyl, phenoxy, nitro and cyano;
A is C1-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene, C2-6 straight-chain or branched-chain alkenylene, -CH2-B-CH2- (wherein B is phenylene), -CH2-O-B-CH2- (wherein B is as defined above) or -Z-CO- (wherein Z is C1-4 alkylene); and
Y is a sulfur atom, sulfinyl or sulfonyl.